How To Choose A Preschool
It’s confusing and time consuming choosing a good preschool. Use the sub-pages to right to research things to look for in a good preschool to fit the needs of your child.
Here are some tips from PreschoolUtah.com:
REVIEW THE WEBSITE
REVIEW THE PRESCHOOL’S WEBSITE
The most relevant information comes from a preschool’s own business website, not from directories. Most preschools have a website. Every preschool should because websites are now do-it-yourself easy and can be hosted for less than $10 a month. A competent and informative website is one sign of a competent and well-run preschool.
VISIT-INSPECT WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT
INSPECT WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT
The most valuable information you will get about preschools will come when you visit the preschool in person. Always visit during the preschool’s class time, without an appointment. Effective general times are in the morning at 10:00 or in the afternoon at 2:00.
Ask to review the school’s lesson plans. If the director is not able to show you a comprehensive, written lesson plan for the school year the are probably making it up as they go. If so, move on to other preschools.
REMEMBER, PRESCHOOL IS MORE THAN JUST A READING RACE.
REMEMBER, PRESCHOOL IS MORE THAN JUST A READING RACE
Don’t succumb to the advertising from preschools that claim they teach 4 year olds to read. That is not an age-appropriate goal for most children. See the “Reading” pages on this site to learn what the experts say about preschool reading. Artificially accelerating your child through the literacy development process is not a good educational strategy. Choose a preschool with a literacy and pre-reading curriculum that systematically introduces the skills in the proper order.
KEEP PRE-SCHOOL IN PERSPECTIVE
KEEP PRE-SCHOOL IN PERSPECTIVE
Remember, this is PRE-school for your 3-5 year old… not grade school. The intent of preschool is to prepare your child for Kindergarten and teach them to navigate higher grades, not to “drill and kill.” Look for a purposeful balance of developmentally appropriate activities which should include the three R’s plus music, art and outdoor play.
Reprinted with permission of PreschoolUtah.com